Apple AirTag helps Portland police track down robbery suspect

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland police arrested an armed robbery suspect on Thursday with the help of an Apple AirTag.

Police said on Thursday just before 12:40 p.m., officers responded to an armed robbery in the 100 block of Northwest Broadway.

The victim, who police said worked at the business there, told officers that someone had gone into the store, pointed a gun and demanded money.

Police said the victim showed the suspect an empty drawer. That’s when the suspect took the victim’s phone and wallet and left.

Officers were able to track the cell phone to the area of Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Pine Street, police said.

Police looked at surveillance videos from TriMet and local businesses and were able to see the suspect go into the Embassy Suites Hotel but then leave again.

Just before 5:00 p.m., officers were called by hotel security and told that the suspect had returned.

Officers tried to approach the suspect, but he ran and disappeared into the hotel.

Shortly after, a fire alarm inside the hotel was activated. Once there, police said officers found a fake pistol on the fire escape.

A short time later, a guest in the hotel told police that someone had broken into his room and stole some items, including a distinct backpack, which had an Apple AirTag attached to it.

Officers were then able to track the suspect into North Portland, according to the Portland Police Bureau.

Police said a deputy from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and officers found the suspect, with the backpack, near North Interstate Avenue and North Killingsworth Street.

Officers tried to stop the suspect but he ran off. Police said officers chased him to the 5800 block of North Minnesota Avenue where they were able to take him into custody.

The suspect was identified as 39-year-old Justin Johnston.

Police said Johnston was charged with robbery in the second degree and burglary in the first degree.